Tutor: Adam
Larsson
Dates: 24-25 January 2009
Times: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Venue: Kelly Street, London, NW1
Fee: GBP120.00 (plus GBP25.00 materials payable on the day)
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Long stitch and link stitch bindings form a fascinating part of bookbinding history, flourishing throughout Europe between 1400 to 1600. They were used for both printed and blank books, and continued to be made as archival and stationery books until much later. This workshop will focus on a style found in northern Germany and Scandinavia, and is based on examples found in the manuscript department of Uppsala University Library, Sweden, originating from the monastery of Vadstena, founded in 1370.
They have covers made from leather or limp vellum, with a plate of horn, wood or stiff leather creating a rigid spine. The sections are sewn through the cover and spine plate, leaving the sewing visible on the spine. An additional weaving with a separate thread over the long stitch enhances the decoration and makes it possible to create a unique spine pattern for each binding. The covers are cut flush with the textblock at head and tail, and often have a fore-edge flap extending from the back cover, held in place with ties.
Adam will show participants how to make the two classics styles, after which they will be encouraged to make another two books with more experimental sewing, ornamentation and decorative features.
Adam Larsson studied bookbinding and conservation at an Arts & Crafts School in Sweden and has since worked at Uppsala University Library in book conservation. He has lectured and conducted workshops throughout Sweden, the USA and Europe and is a regular teacher at North Bennet Street School in Boston, FHSK in Sweden and other European and North American centres. He is also interested in contemporary creative bookbinding and exhibits regularly.